Here are the things that Houstonians can look forward to in 2018

With the year quickly coming to a close, we look ahead to the things that Houstonians have to look forward to in 2018. Here's hoping the weather isn't so exciting in Houston in 2018. We'd love another sports title though. Keep those coming.

What's this? We might have a healthy franchise QB for a whole season in Houston?

A healthy Deshaun Watson

What's this? We might have a healthy franchise QB for a whole season in Houston?

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle

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And J.J. Watt could come back?

The legendary defensive end is well on his way back to fighting. Here's hoping we get a few more campaigns out of this guy before he moves to Hollywood.

And J.J. Watt could come back?

The legendary defensive end is well on his way back to fighting. Here's hoping we get a few more campaigns out of this guy before he moves to Hollywood.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff

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And even Whitney Mercilus?

Having these three pieces back will be a shot in the arm to the morale of Houston Texans fans, traumatized by the 2017 season.

And even Whitney Mercilus?

Having these three pieces back will be a shot in the arm to the morale of Houston Texans fans, traumatized by the 2017 season.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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The Houston Astros come back for seconds

Before some big players test the free agent waters, let's get another ring shall we?

The Houston Astros come back for seconds

Before some big players test the free agent waters, let's get another ring shall we?

Photo: Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle

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The Rockets make a run in the summer

Fingers crossed everyone stays tip-top and monstrous.

The Rockets make a run in the summer

Fingers crossed everyone stays tip-top and monstrous.

Photo: Eric Christian Smith/Associated Press

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In-N-Out Burger comes to the Houston-area?

Plenty of people would love to have this finally. Maybe it happens in the suburbs?

In-N-Out Burger comes to the Houston-area?

Plenty of people would love to have this finally. Maybe it happens in the suburbs?

Photo: William Luther, Staff

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Chef Chris Shepherd makes some changes

The award-winning chef will debut a new steakhouse, Georgia James, in the old Underbelly location in Montrose and move UB down the street to a smaller location west. The Hay Merchant will also open for lunch.

This past summer RodeoHouston organizers showed off what its new stage will look like on the floor of NRG Stadium. It's massive.

And a new stage to boot

This past summer RodeoHouston organizers showed off what its new stage will look like on the floor of NRG Stadium. It's massive.

Photo: TAIT / RodeoHouston

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The Houston Art Car Parade rides again

Over 30 years since the first parade rolled through Houston, the annual party rolls again on April 14, 2018.

The Houston Art Car Parade rides again

Over 30 years since the first parade rolled through Houston, the annual party rolls again on April 14, 2018.

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Fly down under

United's flight between Houston and Sydney starting in January will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Fly down under

United's flight between Houston and Sydney starting in January will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Photo: FG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

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A hot ticket

A winner of 11 Tony Awards, the musical "Hamilton" made a superstar of its creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, seen at center.﻿ While it is nearly impossible to get a ticket on Broadway, a touring production will land at Houston's Hobby Center April 24 through May 20, 2018.

The little-known El Paso congressman has announced that he is challenging incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in 2018, in an uphill battle in a state that has not elected a Democrat statewide since 1994. Expect fireworks.

Scheduled for release in late 2018, "First Man" will look at the life of NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong during the '60s. Playing the hero will be none other than Ryan Gosling. Expect plenty of old-school Houston touches if we're lucky, even though it's being filmed in Atlanta.

Reconstruction of the Loop 610 interchange with I-69 near Uptown will start in early 2018, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

UGH

Reconstruction of the Loop 610 interchange with I-69 near Uptown will start in early 2018, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

Photo: Dug Begley

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New places to watch the Cougars are coming

A look inside the progress being made on the University of Houston's Fertitta Center, which is scheduled to open November 2018.

New places to watch the Cougars are coming

A look inside the progress being made on the University of Houston's Fertitta Center, which is scheduled to open November 2018.

Photo: Joseph Duarte

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Science-y things afoot

This NASA photo released on May 16, 2017 shows the primary mirror of NASAs James Webb Space Telescope inside a clean room at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. It is to be launched into space in 2018. The telescope is the worlds most advanced space observatory. It is designed to unravel some of the greatest mysteries of the universe, from discovering the first stars and galaxies that formed after the big bang to studying the atmospheres of planets around other stars.